Foldable sleeve for surgical instrument

ABSTRACT

A foldable sleeve for retaining a surgical instrument is presented. The foldable sleeve includes a first panel having a first set of lock tabs, a second panel hingedly connected to the first panel, the second panel having a first pair of openings and a second pair of openings, and a third panel hingedly connected to the second panel, the third panel having a second set of lock tabs. The first panel and the third panel are each selectively movable over a portion of the second panel to retain the surgical instrument within the foldable sleeve.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/730,504 filed Jun. 4, 2015, and the disclosure of theabove-identified application is hereby incorporated by reference in itsentirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to packaging products for surgicalinstruments. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to afoldable sleeve for a surgical instrument.

BACKGROUND OF RELATED ART

Wrap-around storage containers are well-known. When fabricating astorage container from a paperboard blank, opposite sides of the blankare attached to each other by glue or by mechanical locks to form thebottom panel of the storage container. In the case of a wrap-aroundstorage container, flaps located on the sides of the blank typically areoverlapped and engaged with one another by mechanical locks formed inthe flaps to form the bottom panel of the storage container. Since thebottom panel must maintain its integrity throughout the use of thestorage container, it is essential that the locking system be capable ofsupporting the weight of the packaged articles, and remain engagedduring shipping and handling of the constructed storage container.

Surgical instruments have been known to be packaged in a similarconfiguration called a “blister.” Blister packages, which are alsocalled “blister packs,” are known in a wide variety of embodiments. Inthe previously known blister packages, a product which is also intendedas an insert or accessory part is usually packaged visibly. To this end,the previously known blister packages have a plastic film molded partwhich is manufactured from transparent plastic film and supports theproduct to be packaged in a molded cavity which is made in the plasticfilm. Blister packages of this type allow the customer or purchaser tosee the packaged article. The product is presented in front of acardboard wall and is fixed with the plastic film molded part.

However, it is often considered to be disadvantageous that the blisterpackaging becomes unusable after being opened for the first time andmust be disposed of as packaging waste. Additionally, it isdisadvantageous that the blister packaging does not allow a user tohandle the item when it is packaged therein. Thus, it would beadvantageous to provide a reconfigured packaging product that allows auser to access or manipulate an item enclosed therein.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to a foldable sleeve for retaining asurgical instrument. The foldable sleeve includes a first panel having afirst set of lock tabs, a second panel hingedly connected to the firstpanel, the second panel having a first pair of openings and a secondpair of openings, and a third panel hingedly connected to the secondpanel, the third panel having a second set of lock tabs. The first paneland the third panel are each selectively movable over a portion of thesecond panel to retain the surgical instrument within the foldablesleeve.

In disclosed embodiments, the second panel may be hingedly connected tothe first panel via a first folding portion and the third panel may behingedly connected to the second panel via a second folding portion.

In disclosed embodiments, the first and second folding portions may eachinclude a plurality of creases.

In disclosed embodiments, the second folding portion may extendcontinuously along a junction between the third panel and the secondpanel.

In disclosed embodiments, the first folding portion may be separatedinto two sections by a first aperture. The first aperture may be formedat a junction between the first panel and the second panel.

In disclosed embodiments, the first aperture has a first end having afirst size and a second end having a second size, the second size beinggreater than the first size.

In disclosed embodiments, the first pair of openings and the second pairof openings retain a shaft portion of the surgical instrument.

In disclosed embodiments, the first set of lock tabs may lock against afirst section of a shaft of the surgical instrument and the second setof lock tabs may lock against a second section of the shaft of thesurgical instrument to retain the surgical instrument within thefoldable sleeve.

In disclosed embodiments, the first panel has a first size, the secondpanel has a second size, and the third panel has a third size, thefirst, second, and third sizes being different from each other.

In disclosed embodiments, the foldable sleeve includes a top end, abottom end, and two side ends, the top end being substantially linearand the bottom end having at least two inclined sections.

In disclosed embodiments, the foldable sleeve may retain a singlearticle therein.

The present disclosure relates to a foldable sleeve for retaining asurgical instrument. The foldable sleeve includes a first panel, asecond panel, and a third panel arranged in a series configuration, suchthat the second panel is hingedly connected to the first panel and thethird panel is hingedly connected to the second panel. The first panelfolds over a first section of the second panel and the third panel foldsover a second section of the second panel to retain the surgicalinstrument.

The present disclosure further relates to a foldable sleeve forretaining a surgical instrument. The foldable sleeve includes aplurality of panels arranged in a series configuration, the plurality ofpanels hingedly connected to each other, and at least one of theplurality of panels includes a set of locking tabs. The surgicalinstrument is configured to be removed from the foldable sleeve withoutunlocking the set of locking tabs.

The present disclosure further relates to a sleeve for retaining asurgical instrument. The sleeve includes a first panel, a second panel,and a third panel arranged in a series configuration, and hingedlyconnected to each other, a set of locking tabs disposed on at least oneof the first, second, and third panels, and an opening defined on atleast one of the panels, the opening configured to expose at least aportion of the surgical instrument. The surgical instrument isconfigured to be removed from the opening of the sleeve withoutunlocking the set of locking tabs and without transitioning the sleeveto an unfolded configuration.

The present disclosure further relates to a method of securing asurgical instrument within a foldable sleeve. The method includes thesteps of hingedly connecting a second panel to a first panel and a thirdpanel, incorporating a first set of openings and a second set ofopenings on the second panel, folding the first panel having a first setof lock tabs onto a portion of the second panel, and folding the thirdpanel having a second set of lock tabs onto a portion of the secondpanel.

The present disclosure further relates to a method of securing asurgical instrument within a foldable sleeve. The method includes thesteps of providing a first panel having a first set of lock tabs,providing a second panel hingedly connected to the first panel, thesecond panel having a first pair of openings and a second pair ofopenings, and providing a third panel hingedly connected to the secondpanel, the third panel having a second set of lock tabs. The methodfurther includes the step of selectively moving the first and thirdpanels over a portion of the second panel to retain the surgicalinstrument within the foldable sleeve.

A kit is also provided in accordance with the present disclosure. Thekit includes a package containing at least one surgical instrument andat least one foldable sleeve configured to retain the at least onesurgical instrument. The at least one surgical instrument is one of agrasper, cutter, scissor, clip applier, stapler, dissector, retractor,access device, clamping device, vessel expanding device, biopsy device,drug/gene therapy delivery device, energy delivery device, and a drill.The package may also include instructions for use.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of the presentdisclosure will become more apparent in light of the following detaileddescription when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings inwhich:

FIG. 1 illustrates a foldable sleeve in an unfolded configuration, inaccordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates a surgical instrument placed onto the foldable sleeveof FIG. 1, in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3A illustrates one panel of the foldable sleeve partially foldedonto a portion of the surgical instrument, in accordance with theembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3B illustrates the panel of FIG. 3A completely folded over theportion of the surgical instrument, in accordance with the embodimentsof the present disclosure;

FIG. 4A illustrates another panel of the foldable sleeve partiallyfolded onto another portion of the surgical instrument, in accordancewith the embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4B illustrates the panel of FIG. 4A completely folded over theother portion of the surgical instrument, in accordance with theembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5A illustrates a user holding the handle portion of the surgicalinstrument when the foldable sleeve is in the folded configuration, inaccordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5B illustrates a user pulling on the handle portion of the surgicalinstrument when the foldable sleeve is in the folded configuration, andpartially removing the surgical instrument, in accordance with theembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5C illustrates a user pulling on the handle portion of the surgicalinstrument when the foldable sleeve is in the folded configuration, andcompletely removing the handle portion of the surgical instrument, inaccordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure; and

FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate how the foldable sleeve is transitioned from theunfolded configuration to the folded configuration, in accordance withthe embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Particular embodiments of the present disclosure are describedhereinbelow with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it isto be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary ofthe disclosure and may be embodied in various forms. Well-knownfunctions or constructions are not described in detail to avoidobscuring the present disclosure in unnecessary detail. Therefore,specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not tobe interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and asa representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variouslyemploy the present disclosure in virtually any appropriately detailedstructure. Like reference numerals refer to similar or identicalelements throughout the description of the figures.

As used herein, the term “distal” refers to that portion of theinstrument, or component thereof which is farther from the user whilethe term “proximal” refers to that portion of the instrument orcomponent thereof which is closer to the user.

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the presentdisclosure. While certain exemplary embodiments of the presentdisclosure will be described, it will be understood that it is notintended to limit the embodiments of the present disclosure to thosedescribed embodiments. To the contrary, reference to embodiments of thepresent disclosure is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, andequivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of theembodiments of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

FIG. 1 illustrates a foldable sleeve 100 in an unfolded configuration,in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure.

The foldable sleeve 100 includes a first panel 103, a second panel 105,and a third panel 109. The foldable sleeve 100 has a proximal end 102and a distal end 104. The foldable sleeve 100 has a top end 150, abottom end 140, and side ends 154. The top end 150 is substantiallylinear, whereas the bottom end 140 has at least two inclined portions153. The foldable sleeve 100 is configured to retain a single article oritem therein. Preferably, the article or item is a surgical instrument200, as described below with reference to FIG. 2. The foldable sleeve100 is shown in a first configuration or an unfolded configuration. Thefoldable sleeve 100 may be, for example, a paperboard sleeve. Of course,one skilled in the art may contemplate other materials for forming ormanufacturing the foldable sleeve 100, such as from cardboard andplastics.

The first panel 103 includes a first set of lock tabs 130. The firstpanel 103 is hingedly connected to the second panel 105 by a firstfolding portion 112. Additionally, the first panel 103 is separated fromthe second panel 105 by an aperture 110. The aperture 110 includes afirst end 111 and a second end 113. The first end 111 has a first size,whereas the second end 113 has a second size. The second size is greaterthan the first size. Further, the first folding portion 112 includes twosections that are separated by the aperture 110. The two sections arelocated on opposed ends of the aperture 110. The first folding section112 has a plurality of creases. The first panel 103 has a substantiallyirregular shape.

The second panel 105 includes a first pair of openings 120 and a secondpair of openings 122. The first and second pair of openings 120, 122 areconfigured to receive a shaft portion of a surgical instrument 200therethrough (see FIG. 2). The second panel 105 is hingedly connected tothe third panel 109 by a second folding portion 114. The second foldingportion 114 extends continuously along a junction between the secondpanel 105 and the third panel 109. The first panel 103 has a first size,whereas the second panel 105 has a second size. The second size isgreater than the first size. In fact, the second panel 105 defines anelongated portion for accommodating a shaft of a surgical instrument 200(see FIG. 2). The second folding section 114 has a plurality of creases.

The third panel 109 includes a second set of lock tabs 132. The thirdpanel 109 is hingedly connected to the second panel 105 by the secondfolding portion 114. The third panel 109 has a third size, the thirdsize being different than the first and second sizes of the first andsecond panels 103, 105, respectively. The third panel 109 has asubstantially rectangular shape. The first panel 103, the second panel105, and the third panel 109 are arranged in a series configuration.

FIG. 2 illustrates a surgical instrument 200 placed onto the foldablesleeve 100 of FIG. 1, in accordance with the embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

The surgical instrument 200 includes a shaft or shaft portion 210. Aproximal end of the shaft portion 210 is attached to a body portion 220having a handle portion 225. The distal end of the shaft portion 210 isattached to an end effector 230. The end effector 230 may include, forexample, a pair of jaws. In FIG. 2, the surgical instrument 200 isplaced or positioned on the foldable sleeve 100 such that the shaftportion 210 is placed over or on top of the elongated portion of thesecond panel 105 of the foldable sleeve 100. The end effector 230 isplaced over or on top of the distal end of the second panel 105. Thebody portion 220 and the handle portion 225 are placed over or on top ofthe proximal end of the second panel 105. The shaft portion 210 isinserted through openings 120, 122 to help hold the surgical instrument200 to the foldable sleeve 100. In an alternative embodiment, the firstpair of openings 120 may be defined on the third panel 109 and thesecond pair of openings 122 may be defined on the first panel 103 toretain the shaft portion 210 of the surgical instrument 200. One skilledin the art may provide openings for retaining the shaft portion 210 ofthe surgical instrument 200 on any portion of the foldable sleeve 100.For example, openings may be provided on all three panels, 103, 105, and109. Further, the first and second set of locking tabs 130, 132 may bedisposed on any portion of the first, second, and third panels 103, 105,and 109. One skilled in the art may contemplate a number of differentpositional configurations for first and second locking tabs 130, 132.

FIG. 3A illustrates a first configuration 300A where one panel 103 ofthe foldable sleeve 100 is partially folded onto a portion of thesurgical instrument 200, in accordance with the embodiments of thepresent disclosure and FIG. 3B illustrates a second configuration 300Bwhere the panel 103 of FIG. 3A is completely folded over the portion ofthe surgical instrument 200, in accordance with the embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

In operation, once the surgical instrument 200 is placed over or on topof the foldable 100, a user may fold the first panel 103 onto a portionof the second panel 105. The fold occurs at the first folding portion112 which includes a plurality of creases. The fold allows for thecreation of a space at the right side of the foldable sleeve 100 suchthat the handle portion 225 of the surgical instrument is partiallyvisible. The fold occurs in the direction “A.” The first set of locktabs 130 locks against a first section of the shaft portion 210 of thesurgical instrument 200. The shaft portion 210 is secured in place bythe first set of lock tabs 130.

FIG. 4A illustrates a first configuration 400A of the other panel 109 ofthe foldable sleeve 100 partially folded onto another portion of thesurgical instrument 200, in accordance with the embodiments of thepresent disclosure and FIG. 4B illustrates a second configuration 400Bof the panel 109 of FIG. 4A completely folded over the other portion ofthe surgical instrument 200, in accordance with the embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

In operation, once the surgical instrument 200 is placed over or on topof the foldable sleeve 100, a user may fold the third panel 109 onto aportion of the second panel 105. The fold occurs at the second foldingportion 114 which includes a plurality of creases. The fold does notallow for the creation of a space (as was the occurrence with the foldat first folding section 112) at the left side of the foldable sleeve100. The fold occurs in the direction “B.” The second set of lock tabs132 locks against a second section of the shaft portion 210 of thesurgical instrument 200. Thus, in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the first set of locktabs 130 locks against a first section of the shaft portion 210 of thesurgical instrument 200 and in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the second set of locktabs 132 locks against a second section of the shaft portion 210 of thesurgical instrument 200 to retain the surgical instrument 200 within thefoldable sleeve 100. This is referred to as the second configuration orthe folded configuration. The locking tabs 130, 132 inhibit movementaway from the sleeve 100, but allow sliding movement along the long axisof the sleeve 100.

Once the first panel 103 and the third panel 109 are folded over atleast a portion of the second panel 105, the surgical instrument 200 isencased or enveloped or held within the foldable sleeve 100 in a foldedconfiguration. However, a portion of the handle portion 225 is visibleand accessible to a user (see FIGS. 5A-5C). A section of the shaftportion 210 of the surgical instrument 200 is also visible in the foldedconfiguration. Additionally, in the folded configuration, a window 410is visible for displaying the product name and any other relevantinformation.

Each foldable sleeve 100 includes a single surgical instrument 200therein. Each foldable sleeve 100 is packaged within a foil pouch (notshown). Each foil pouch containing a foldable sleeve 100 is packagedwith a box. The box may contain one or more foil pouches. In use, thebox is shipped to, for example, a hospital where the box is opened toremove the foil pouches to be stored. When a surgical procedure isperformed, the OR is prepared by providing the surgeons with one or moresurgical instruments 200 each retained with a foldable sleeve 100packaged within a foil pouch. The surgeon or nurse or other medicalpersonnel opens the foil pouch to expose the sleeve 100 retaining thesurgical instrument 200. The sleeve 100 protects the surgical instrument200 until the time of use. Once the surgeon desires to access thesurgical instrument 200, the surgical instrument 200 may be removed fromthe sleeve 100 as described below with reference to FIGS. 5A-5C.

FIG. 5A illustrates a first configuration 500A, where a user's hand 510holds the body portion 220 of the surgical instrument 200 when thefoldable sleeve 100 is in the folded configuration, in accordance withthe embodiments of the present disclosure and FIG. 5B illustrates asecond configuration 500B where the user's hand 510 pulls on the bodyportion 220 of the surgical instrument 200 when the foldable sleeve 100is in the folded configuration, and the hand 510 partially removing thesurgical instrument 200 from the foldable sleeve 100, in accordance withthe embodiments of the present disclosure.

The user's hand 510 may access either the body portion 220 or the handleportion 225 and pull or remove the surgical instrument 200 from theopening 520 of the foldable sleeve 100 without having to undo or unwrapthe foldable sleeve 100 and without having to unlock the sets of tabs130, 132. Therefore, the user may simply slide the surgical instrument200 out of the opening 520 of the foldable sleeve 100 without disturbingthe folded configuration of the foldable sleeve 100. This allows thesurgical instrument 200 to be properly protected in a sterileenvironment and simultaneously allows for easy accessibility of thesurgical instrument 200.

FIG. 5C illustrates a third configuration 500C where the user's hand 510pulls on the body portion 220 or the handle portion 225 of the surgicalinstrument 200 when the foldable sleeve 100 is in the foldedconfiguration, and completely removes the handle portion 225 of thesurgical instrument 200 from the foldable sleeve 100 without having tounlock the tabs 130, 132, in accordance with the embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate how the foldable sleeve 100 is transitioned fromthe unfolded configuration to the folded configuration, in accordancewith the embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6A depicts a first configuration 600A of the unfolded sleeve 100,FIG. 6B depicts a second configuration 600B where the panels 103, 109are folded onto panel 105, and FIG. 6C is a third configuration 600Cthat depicts the folded sleeve 100. FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate that thesleeve 100 of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure aidsin the volume of waste being reduced in the operating room (OR). Forexample, after removing the surgical instrument 200 from the sleeve 100,the sleeve 100 may be folded back into a substantially flatconfiguration (see FIG. 6C), such that it occupies the least amount ofspace possible. Thus, the substantially flat configuration of the sleeve100 creates less waste when disposed of, as opposed to traditionalmethods of packaging.

Therefore, in summary, a sleeve is made of one piece of, for example,paperboard that has two pre-cut sections or strips through which theshaft of a surgical instrument is inserted. The sleeve wraps thesurgical instrument on both ends via a continuous set of spaced apartcreases. The two ends of the sleeve include two sets of lock tabs thatlock against the shaft of the instrument and secure the entire assembly.A wide opening is present on the sleeve toward the proximal end of thesleeve that allows the user to access the surgical instrument withouthaving to remove the sleeve and instrument assembly or unlock the tabsof the sleeve. The sleeve may also have a window to display the productname and other relevant information.

Additionally, each foldable sleeve may be packaged within a foil pouch.The foil pouch may be part of a kit. In one exemplary embodiment, thekit may include a package containing at least one surgical instrumentand at least one foldable sleeve configured to retain the at least onesurgical instrument. The at least one surgical instrument may be one ofa grasper, cutter, scissor, clip applier, stapler, dissector, retractor,access device, clamping device, vessel expanding device, biopsy device,drug/gene therapy delivery device, energy delivery device, and a drill,or any other surgical instrument used for performing a surgicalprocedure. The package may further include instructions for use.

The foldable sleeve is designed to provide an easy one-hand productaccess or dispensing feature. The wide opening on the sleeve toward thechevron end of the pouch allows the user to access the surgicalinstrument without having to remove the sleeve and instrument assemblyfrom the pouch or unlock any tabs on the sleeve. This feature helps savean entire operational step for the nurses or surgeons in the operatingroom, thereby reducing an amount of time required to prepare surgicalinstruments for surgery. In addition, this sleeve, which may be apaperboard sleeve, still provides the ability to transfer the surgicalinstrument encased or enveloped within the sleeve to the sterile field.

Further advantages of the present disclosure include significant costreductions due to the use of a paper-based product. Such cost reductionsin turn can have a beneficial impact on the environment through, forexample, reducing oil and other energy consumption associated withmanufacturing and/or shipping and handling. With growing concerns forthe environment, including global warming concerns for example, it isdesirable to address the drawbacks of the amount of waste derived fromcurrent packaging for various consumer products, including medicalinstrument products. For example, it is desirable to provide “green,” orenvironmentally friendly packaging alternatives that can reduce wasteand/or are made substantially of renewable resources. It is alsodesirable to be able to reduce the overall size of the packaging as away to reduce waste. The foldable sleeve of the present disclosure meetssuch requirements and accomplishes such goals. The foldable sleeve maybe formed or manufactured from any type of material or combination ofmaterials that are readily foldable and recyclable, such as paperboard,cardboard, or plastics.

Further advantages of the present disclosure include significant costreductions due to the light-weight nature of the paper-based product.The novel foldable sleeve of the exemplary embodiments of the presentdisclosure provides for low cost manufacturing, excellent performance,improved quality, high strength and the replacement of heavy-weightpackaging materials. Thus, the packaging allows for a significantreduction in material required to manufacture the foldable sleeve.Additionally, the light-weight nature and design (smaller externalpackaging) of the foldable sleeve of the exemplary embodiments of thepresent disclosure allows for reduced shelf space in the operating room.Also, blister packages use too much space when packaged in, for example,a box as they are designed in larger, bulkier configurations, and arenot easily compactible when disposed of in the operating (OR). Incontrast, the foldable sleeve of the exemplary embodiments of thepresent disclosure is compactible. When the sleeve is in a foldedconfiguration to be packaged within a box, the sleeve occupies a smallamount of space within the box, thus resulting in efficient packaging.Efficient packaging results in more sleeves being fitted within eachbox, thus reducing the number of boxes required for shipping and, thus,optimizing product delivery and minimizing the environmental footprint.Further, easier disposal within the OR is achieved by more efficientlyfolding the sleeve (once the surgical instrument is removed) to occupythe least amount of space.

Further advantages of the present disclosure include significant costreductions due to the recyclable nature of paper and the foldablesleeve. It is environmentally and economically advantageous tomanufacture packaging material from components that are more durable andthereby can be reused more often, made with recycled materials,recyclable themselves, can be safely incinerated or are naturallydegradable. This helps the environment and eliminates theever-increasing costs of special handling and/or waste disposalassociated with non-recyclable material. The foldable sleeve of thepresent disclosure meets such requirements and facilitates recycling.

Moreover, another advantage of using the foldable sleeve of theexemplary embodiments of the present disclosure is that instructions orinformation or indicia may be printed directly onto the foldable sleevewithout the need to use additional components, thus reducing the numberof components used to package a product, such as a surgical instrument.

It is to be understood that the various embodiments shown and describedherein are to be taken as exemplary. Elements and materials, andarrangements of those elements and materials, may be substituted forthose illustrated and described herein, parts may be reversed, andcertain features of the present disclosure may be utilizedindependently, all as would be apparent to one skilled in the art afterhaving the benefit of the description herein. Changes may be made in theelements described herein without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe present disclosure and following claims, including theirequivalents. It is to be understood that the particular examples andembodiments set forth herein are non-limiting, and modifications tostructure, dimensions, materials, and methodologies may be made withoutdeparting from the scope of the present disclosure.

While various embodiments of the present disclosure have been shown anddescribed herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art thatthese embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerousvariations, changes, and substitutions will now occur to those skilledin the art without departing from the present disclosure. Accordingly,it is intended that the invention be limited only by the spirit andscope of the appended claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A sleeve for retaining a surgical instrument, the sleeve comprising: a first panel, a second panel, and a third panel arranged in a series configuration, the first panel and the third panel are hingedly connected to the second panel and are selectively movable between an unfolded orientation and a folded orientation with respect to the second panel; at least one locking tab disposed on an end of the first panel; and an opening defined between the first panel and the second panel that is configured to expose at least a portion of the surgical instrument; wherein the sleeve is configured to allow the surgical instrument to be removed through the opening of the sleeve while the first panel and the third panel are in the folded orientation and a gap is defined between the first panel and the third panel when the first panel and third panel are in the folded orientation, such that the first panel is free from contact with the third panel when the first panel and the third panel are in the folded orientation.
 2. The sleeve according to claim 1, wherein the sleeve is configured to allow the surgical instrument to be removed from the opening of the sleeve while maintaining the series configuration of the first panel, the second panel and the third panel.
 3. The sleeve according to claim 1, wherein the at least one locking tab is configured to engage a section of the surgical instrument to help retain the surgical instrument at least partially within the sleeve.
 4. The sleeve according to claim 1, wherein the sleeve is configured to allow the surgical instrument to be removed from the opening of the sleeve without unlocking the at least one locking tab.
 5. The sleeve according to claim 1, wherein the at least one locking tab includes a first locking tab and a second locking tab, the first locking tab is configured to engage a first section of a shaft of the surgical instrument, and the second locking tab is configured to engage a second section of the shaft of the surgical instrument to help retain the surgical instrument at least partially within the foldable sleeve. 